Embry-Riddle Names Student Pilot & Examiner Killed In Daytona Plane Crash

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Daytona Beach, FL - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) has released the names of the student pilot and the pilot examiner who were killed in a plane crash on Wednesday morning near the Daytona Flea & Farmers Market. The student, 25-year-old Navy veteran Zachary Capra, had planned to graduate from ERAU this summer with a  degree in Aeronautics. He was a member of ERAU's Student Veterans Organization. Capra was the son of Patsy and John Capra of Thornton, Colorado.

The Federal Aviation Administration pilot examiner, John Azma, was the founder of AZMA FLT Inc., a flight school in Orlando, and he had at least 20 years of flight experience. Azma is survived by his wife, Isabelle Azma, and their sons. The crash was reported by witnesses who saw the plane go down off of Tomoka Farms Rd., near the Daytona Flea & Farmers Market, at around 9:54 AM on April 4. According to VCSO, witnesses said a wing fell off of the plane about 100 to 200 yards from where the plane finally came to a stop. The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed Thursday morning that the wing did come off of the Piper PA-28 plane during a series of take-offs and landings. "We have all been shocked and devastated by this tragedy. We will continue to provide support for everyone in the Embry-Riddle community who is experiencing grief. We share our sincere condolences to all those affected by this loss," ERAU President P. Barry Butler said in a statement released Thursday. The National Transportation Safety Board is conducting an in-depth investigation. More information will be released as it becomes available. Any members of the ERAU campus in need of support may call the Counseling Center at 386-226-6035 or visit the Chaplain’s Office. Earlier reporting on this story can be found here and here. Photos of Capra courtesy ERAU's social media. Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2018.
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